The Fall of Carthage: The Punic Wars 265-146 BC

• Author: Major Brian Harlan
• Pages: 09

2008] BOOK REVIEWS 211

THE FALL OF CARTHAGE: THE PUNIC WARS 265-146 BC1

REVIEWED BY MAJOR BRIAN HARLAN2

If we are to learn from the past then history must first be understood on its own terms.3

1. Introduction

   The Fall of Carthage: The Punic Wars 265-146 BC (The Fall of Carthage) is Dr. Adrian Goldsworthy's endeavor to "provide an accessible account and analysis" of the entire span of the Punic Wars in a single volume.4 Goldsworthy succeeds, and his work provides an enjoyable read that blends in equal measures insightful scholarship and captivating prose.

   This review will focus on the book's relevance for the Soldier, to whom an understanding of military history is as vital now5 as it has ever been.6 Current Army doctrine reminds us that "warfare in the 21st century retains many of the characteristics it has exhibited since ancient times."7 Any exploration of those "retained characteristics" would be well-served to begin with an examination of the seminal period in Western history, and the greatest factor in its development and expansion-the Punic Wars.8 The Fall of Carthage provides an ideal vehicle for understanding that period in its own context.9

2. Why This Study of the Punic Wars?

   Goldsworthy's thesis is that "each society and culture tends to have a unique view of warfare which affects how they fight and as a result how they may be beaten," and that the Punic Wars are among the best historical example of that principle.10 Several themes emerge as principal components of the divergent Roman and Punic views of warfare, and much of Goldsworthy's analysis is devoted to examining key decisions and battles in relation to the distinct views of the respective sides of the conflict.11 Goldsworthy's methodology, combined with the clarity and brevity of his presentation, make The Fall of Carthage a particularly valuable exploration of the Punic Wars.

   Goldsworthy hints at his motive in writing on the subject by lamenting that "the Punic Wars have disappeared from the wider consciousness in Europe and North America."12 Goldsworthy's retelling of this seminal period in the history of Western civilization13 in an accessible and compact format can only help to reverse this trend. Nevertheless, the author acknowledges that "it might well be asked what more can be added" to the body of writings on the Punic Wars.14

   Goldsworthy responds by noting that although the wars are the subject of substantial scholarly writing, "in some respects the wars have not been properly treated," and although a few books have dealt with the entire period in one volume, they are not "entirely satisfactory."15 He highlights areas where historians have, in his opinion, "fallen into the trap of judging events by modern standards," such as the causes of the

   Second Punic War,16 the nuances of the Roman political system,17 and the exclusive use of modes of analysis that contradict primary sources.18

   The author is not immune to the temptation to draw parallels with modern military analogies.19 He scrupulously avoids, however, the practice of "suggesting alternative and perhaps better courses of action" with the advantage of hindsight.20 His goal, instead, is to "place the Punic Wars firmly within the context of the military theory and practice of the third to second centuries BC."21

   This answers the question of what more can be added to the body of work on the Punic Wars. The question remains, what relevance does a "satisfactory" and "proper treatment" of all three wars have for the modern reader? Goldsworthy answers with new analysis of old sources,22 and with an organizational approach that is methodical and intellectually honest.23 He also plainly states when a particular debate is beyond the scope of the book.24 The Fall of Carthage also uses recent archaeological evidence25 and experimentation26 to illuminate ancient debates.

   The Fall of Carthage relies most heavily on the best ancient sources available: Polybius, Livy, and other Greek and Roman historians in that order of precedence.27 The lay historian will benefit from the author's detailed examination and critique of these sources, as Goldsworthy specifically references the difficulties associated with his sources throughout the text, and examines them in fine detail in relation to contentious issues.28 He regularly explains why he chooses one interpretation over another.29 By doing so, Goldsworthy illustrates how the differing interpretations may affect the reader's understanding of events, without interrupting the course of the narrative.30 In addition, Goldsworthy routinely provides secondary sources on both sides of an issue when a contestable fact or assumption is presented.31

   Goldsworthy's style impressively re-creates and maintains the suspense of the campaigns despite the reader's knowledge of the outcome.32 He answers how the factors he identified in the introduction influenced the outcome of key events, returning the reader to the academic thesis while satisfying the reader's curiosity as to why potential outcomes were not realized.33

   Goldsworthy's use of sources is neither flawless,34 nor exhaustive,35 but provides ample basis for further research. Those who lack a passing familiarity with the chronology and personalities of the Punic Wars, and the form and function of the Roman government of the period, should start with a review of the useful chronology, glossary, index, and other reference materials.36

3. Ancient Lessons for Modern Soldiers

   Military scholars throughout history have sought to apply wisdom from the experiences of the Punic Wars to their time.37 The Fall of Carthage adroitly explores areas of interest for the military reader that comprise the full spectrum of factors in twenty-first century warfare, including insurrection,38 military discipline,39 atrocities and their effects,40 strategic and tactical initiative,41 strategic intelligence,42

   prisoners of war,43 and myriad other areas applicable to the modern profession of arms.

   In addition, the professional warrior and casual student of military history alike will find valuable context in Goldsworthy's recounting of numerous ancient figures and folkloric events.44 Other events are of particular interest to the military professional, including well developed sketches of the "ideal of Hellenistic generalship."45 Goldsworthy's narrative skill juxtaposes the heroic legends of such men with their sad fates.46 Goldsworthy also captures the timeless and...